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Williams lifts JSU past Murray State 65-64

TIMES STAFF REPORT

Published: Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 6:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 11:13 p.m.

JACKSONVILLE ­— Jacksonville State got a pair of free throws from Brian Williams with 2 seconds left to lift the Gamecocks to a 65-64 win over Murray State in men's Ohio Valley Conference basketball Saturday.

After Williams' free throws, a last-second desperation shot by the Racers fell short to secure the win for JSU.

The win moved the Gamecocks to 14-7 overall and 6-4 in conference play. Murray State dropped to 15-5, 6-2.

Williams, just a 57.7 percent foul shooter, was fouled after going the length of the court with the ball. He finished the game with 17 points and five assists.

Murray State led 17-13 in the first half before JSU went on a 17-4 run to give it a 29-21 lead at the break.

The Gamecocks led for most of the second half until Isaiah Canaan, who finished with 20 points, tied the game at 57 with 2:34 remaining.

JSU scored the next six points to go up 63-57, but a three by Stacy Wilson and a pair of free throws by Canaan cut the lead to 63-62. After a Gamecock turnover, Brandon Garrett scored with 9 seconds remaining to put the Racers up 64-63. Williams then took the inbounds pass and raced up the court before being fouled.

<p>JACKSONVILLE ­— Jacksonville State got a pair of free throws from Brian Williams with 2 seconds left to lift the Gamecocks to a 65-64 win over Murray State in men's Ohio Valley Conference basketball Saturday.</p><p>After Williams' free throws, a last-second desperation shot by the Racers fell short to secure the win for JSU.</p><p>The win moved the Gamecocks to 14-7 overall and 6-4 in conference play. Murray State dropped to 15-5, 6-2.</p><p>Williams, just a 57.7 percent foul shooter, was fouled after going the length of the court with the ball. He finished the game with 17 points and five assists.</p><p>Murray State led 17-13 in the first half before JSU went on a 17-4 run to give it a 29-21 lead at the break.</p><p>The Gamecocks led for most of the second half until Isaiah Canaan, who finished with 20 points, tied the game at 57 with 2:34 remaining.</p><p>JSU scored the next six points to go up 63-57, but a three by Stacy Wilson and a pair of free throws by Canaan cut the lead to 63-62. After a Gamecock turnover, Brandon Garrett scored with 9 seconds remaining to put the Racers up 64-63. Williams then took the inbounds pass and raced up the court before being fouled.</p><p>Tarvin Gaines had 13 points and eight rebounds for JSU. Ronnie Boggs scored 13 points. Mason Leggett chipped in 12 points. </p><p>Wilson finished with 16 points for Murray State.</p>